Wednesday 21 July 2010

The future is green

Ultimate Green Roof

As a specialist provider of world class waterproofing and green roof systems, Rock have been called upon by the likes of Laing O’Rourke and Sir Robert McAlpine to create truly distinctive rooftop spaces for some of their most prestigious schemes.

Why do main contractors turn to us? “For several reasons, I think,” explains John Walsh, Rock’s managing director. “First, we offer great flexibility. With such a range of component products, no two green roofs are ever going to look the same. It’s an endlessly adaptable system that allows us to create something unique for each client. Secondly, there’s the sheer craftsmanship of our team. Now, I can’t claim to be the most green-fingered of gardeners, so I’m as impressed as our clients are by the skill and imagination of our horticulturists. Finally, there’s the unrivalled quality of our waterproofing, which maintains the integrity of any green roof.”

Rock has created a number of landscaped roofs for major commercial projects such as Watermark Place and City Inn Tower of London. “There’s no doubt,” continues John, “that they offer advantages for building developers, owners and users. Green roofs promote sustainability and biodiversity and can deliver long-term financial benefits. And who doesn’t enjoy the stunning views they offer? I’m not in the least bit surprised that green roofs are one of the fastest-growing areas of our business. No pun intended!”

A strong sense of tradition

Bespoke roofing services

Zero carbon buildings, renewable technologies, responsible stewardship of natural resources. These days, Rock is much in demand as a consultancy that is able help the construction industry advance the evolution of smarter, more sustainable buildings. And we continue, of course, to develop and supply intelligent solutions for the waterproofing of roofs and elevated vehicle decks.

But does this mean that Rock now places less importance on the more traditional roofing skills that are sadly in recession? Far from it. In fact, this area of our business is currently experiencing something of a resurgence. Mansards, lead welding, cappings, tiles and slates – these are all elements which require a high level of professionalism and dedication if they are to be of the excellent standard demanded by some of our more prestigious contracts.

A recent example of this would be 49 Park Lane, an office development in Mayfair where Rock was entrusted with the mansard roof and balconies. Pat Walsh at Mace described our contribution as “the best lead work installation I have ever seen, and a testament to a traditional skills which I am sorry to say appear to be in decline elsewhere in our industry.”

Rock’s managing director, John Walsh, added, “Bespoke roofing and ancillary products, such as guard rails, skylights and vents, will always remain a core offer from Rock. Our clients rely on our ability to supply a complete pitched roof package, and all the painstaking craftsmanship which that entails.”